Learn to use life-saving equipment and care for patients with lung or heart problems.
What is Respiratory Care?
The Respiratory Therapist program at Somerset Community College prepares graduates to provide and manage client care by becoming members within the discipline of respiratory care. Graduates are prepared and eligible to take credentialing examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to practice as entry level practitioners (CRT) as well as advanced level practitioners (RRT). Like most states in the nation, Kentucky has a mandatory certification law for Respiratory Care Practitioners. This certification gives the holder the right to practice respiratory care in the Commonwealth. Reciprocity exists between Kentucky and most all other states.
Getting Started
What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?
| Class | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BIO 137 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| MAT 110 - Applied Mathematics OR | 3 |
| MAT 146 - Contemporary College Mathematics | (3) |
| MAT 150 - College Algebra | 3 |
| BIO 139 - Human Anatomy and PHysciology II | 4 |
| ENG 101 - Writing I | 3 |
| COM 181 - Basic Public Speaking OR | 3 |
| COM 252 - Interpersonal Communication | (3) |
| PSY 110 - General Psychology OR | 3 |
| SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology | (3) |
| Heritage/Humanities | 3 |
| Total | 23 |
| Class | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| RCP 110 - Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| RCP 120 - Theories and Principles of Respiratory Care | 4 |
| RCP 125 - Cardiopulmonary Evaluation | 4 |
| RCP 135 - Pharmacology | 1 |
| RCP 150 - Clinical Practice I | 2 |
| RCP 175 - Clinical Practice II | 3 |
| RCP 180 - Ventilatory Support | 3 |
| RCP 190 - Advanced Ventilatory Support | 2 |
| RCP 200 - Clinical Practice III | 3 |
| RCP 204 - Emergency and Special Procedures | 3 |
| RCP 210 - Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology | 3 |
| RCP 212 - Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care | 3 |
| RCP 214 - Advanced Diagnostic Procedures | 3 |
| RCP 225 - Clinical Practice IV | 3 |
| RCP 228 - Preventive and Long Term Respiratory Care | 2 |
| RCP 250 - Clinical practice V | 3 |
| Total | 47 |
Total hours for program - 70 credits
If you would like a PDF copy of a program plan, please email the program coordinator.
How Do I Pay For This?
Worry no more. With the lowest tuition in Kentucky, financial aid options, and a helping hand to guide you through the application process, SCC has you covered. SCC will help you reach your goals at a price that won't break the bank.
How Do I Apply?
All students planning to apply to the next Respiratory Therapist Program, beginning August 2025, MUST attend a Pre-Admission Conference prior to applying.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Additional Information
- Four semester program
- Leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) with a general education requirement of 23 hours
- Respiratory Care Technical Coursework (45-47 hours)
- Theory/Skills presented in lecture/lab format
- Clinical Component: Held in clinical sites which provide services to respiratory patients
- Highly Recommended general education courses of 6-7 hours.
- Program Goal: To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
Accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690. CoARC (www.coarc.com) accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilized an “outcomes-based” process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. Please use the link to review programmatic outcomes data.
The Somerset Community College Respiratory Therapy Program located at 100 University Drive, London, Ky 40741, CoARC number 200532, which awards the Associate in Applied Science degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
Length of Program
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in collaboration with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
